Experimental Optics Course (1st semester)
The experimental optics courses teaches hands-on lab experience and also offers some remotely controllable setups for training purposes.
Internships and practical research modules during the Master programs
Once enrolled in one of the Master programs, students benefit from a strong emphasis on hands-on experience through internships and practical research modules in the laboratories of the Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP) and at external institutions.
Joint visit to one of the ACP quantum research labs.
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
Introductory research courses in small groups (1st semester)
Extensive hands-on experience is one of the most valuable attributes of any true expert in photonics or quantum science. To enhance students’ laboratory experience from the very beginning, both the M.Sc. in Photonics and the M.Sc. in Quantum Science & Technology include practical courses (corresponding to six ECs/ Master credits) that make use of research-grade components and equipment. Experiments are carried out in small groups of two to four students under the supervision of senior researchers.
Internships and practical research modules during the Master programs (2nd-4th semester)
Practical training in the Master’s programs continues through internship-equivalent modules in the second and third semesters and culminates in the Master’s thesis in the fourth semester. For each of these modules, an eligible supervisor from the ASP faculty must be appointed. The individual selection of the lab environment in which the modules are carried is strongly influenced by the individual student’s interests and level of initiative.
Most internship and practical resarch module placements are offered at institutes within the Abbe Center of Photonics at Friedrich Schiller University Jena. In addition, these modules and the Master’s degree theses may also be completed at associated research institutions in Jena or, in some cases, with national partners from academia or industry.
Phortify Logo.
Image: Vrije Universiteit BrusselNEW: Phortify Traineeship grants for EU research internships
From 2026 onwards, our enrolled Master students can also be granted one of our prestigious Phortify Traineeships at another European university or partner institute. These international research traineeships can be directly converted into ECs for the Jena-based Master courses, e.g. for the internship or research labwork. Our Phortify partners institutions are located in Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland and Spain. It is noteworthy, that due to EU legislation, these Phortify Traineeships are exclusive for nationals from a list of eligible countries. Please review these details as given here and let us know your interest as early as possible.
